Shopping for Safe Toothpastes and Tooth Powders

Most mainstream toothpastes contain two to three different ingredients or additives that potentially increase cancer risk. These include saccharin, FD&C Blue #1, and fluoride.

Saccharin is clearly carcinogenic in experimental studies - with some suggestive human evidence. FD&C Blue #1 has caused small increases in tumors and experimental studies. Although fluoride may have some benefits in prevention of tooth decay, it is also thought to cause a rare form of bone cancer in experimental studies, according to the federal National Toxicology Program.

These are clearly unnecessary risks; many experts believe that children can grow up with healthy teeth while not using any of these chemicals, including fluoride.

Fortunately, safe and healthy brands of toothpastes and powders are available at health food stores. Use the Safe Shopping Chart (below) to determine whether your brand contains any of these suspect ingredients or additives and, if necessary, to find a safe alternative.

TOOTHPASTES AND POWDERS

+ : Contains either one or all of potentially hazardous ingredients.Brand of Toothpaste or Powder Contains Fluoride, Saccharin or FD&C Blue #1

o : Contains no suspect ingredients

Arm & Hammer (all)+

Nature's Gate (all)o

Auromereo

Peeluo

Bioforceo

Pepsodent+

Colgate+

Rainbow Researcho

Crest+

Rembrant Natural Whitening Toothpasteo

Daburo

Tom's of Maine (nonfluoride)o

Desert Essence (all)o

Ultra Briteo

Enzymatic Therapyo

Viadent+

Logona (all)o

Viccoo

Mer-Flu-An (all)o

Weleda (all)o

Metadent+

Xylifresho

Natural Dentisto

References

Federal Register, September 18, 1982; 47(188): 42563-42566.

International Agency Research for Cancer. IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risk to Humans. Overall Evaluations of Carcinogenesis: An Updating of IARC Monographs, vols. 1-42 supplement no. 7. Lyon, France: World Health Organization, 1987: 334-339.

Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of LNH, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Timothy Long and his community. LNH encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional. Product statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.